Florence earns 30th Tree City USA honor

Florence, SC - FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - The City of Florence is getting a pat on the back from the Arbor Day Foundation for its ongoing commitment to urban forestry.

The city recently earned its title as a "Tree City USA" community for the 30th year by the non-profit organization.

Florence also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for progress in its forestry program and education efforts. The award prestigious award honors not only environmental improvement in Tree City USA communities, but higher levels of tree care.

"Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and a Growth Award make a strong commitment to planting and caring for trees," Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive John Rosenow said. "We applaud their efforts.

The Pee Dee town has met the four required standards to become a Tree City USA community, including developing a tree board or department, creating a tree care ordinance, initiating a comprehensive community forestry program and observing Arbor Day.

"We also commend a community's elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing needless care for its trees," Rosenow added. "They recognize that trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits for communities every day."